The Anna Science Centre-Planetarium in Tiruchi has been abuzz with a series of activities for the past few weeks. A large number of students from different parts of the State have been visiting it this summer.
Come summer, the Anna Science Centre-Planetarium organises special programmes targeted at students. No wonder, the campus is vibrant all through the summer. Students from not only the central districts, but also from faraway Erode and Cuddalore visit the Science Centre.
The Planetarium, with its rich infrastructure, kindles the students' interest in astronomy, and has been playing a crucial role in motivating them to night-sky observation besides conducting simple experiments.
The infrastructure includes the 3-D air-conditioned theatre for watching the three-dimensional view of science films, a full-fledged ‘Sky Theatre' for Planetarium programmes, a high-tech science gallery, an environmental and activity gallery, Science Park and other interactive exhibits — Circus of Force; Know Your Weight in Different Planets.
Special summer programmes held this year aimed at motivating students to the latest facets of science and technology.
The summer students' camp for five days exposed the participants to various features of mathematics, science and astronomy.
A painting competition, as part of the observance of Earth Day, motivated a large number of pupils to express their views and suggestions on protecting ecology, resources and environmental wealth.
The National Science Day and the National Technology Day provided adequate opportunities to students from various parts of the State to understand the nuances of the latest developments in science and technology.
Experiment basis
“Students understand more about science during their visit to the Planetarium, as they independently conduct experiments and observe scientific facts and data,” says T.M. Alagiri Swamy Raju, project director, Anna Science Centre – Planetarium.
J.R. Pazhaniswamy, senior scientific assistant, says the screening of a film on planets daily is the special feature at the Planetarium. Currently, a film on “Ancient Astronomy” is being screened.
